Important Safety Reminders for Family Fireworks – Canada Day

Please review the following media release from Hamilton Emergency Services – Fire regarding Family-Type Fireworks. Note that according to the current by-law, fireworks can only be set off on your own property and only during the two days preceding or following Victoria Day and Canada Day (otherwise it is illegal to set off fireworks without a permit). Also they can’t be set off after 11 pm.

Councillor McHattie would like to know whether you have experienced fireworks being set off later than 11 pm or outside the five day allowable period in your neighbourhood – if you have, can you provide some details?

Thanks!

Important Safety Reminders for Family Fireworks

HAMILTON, ON – June 29th,2011 – Hamilton Emergency Services- Fire recommends that citizens attend public firework displays put on by certified technicians that are trained to handle and discharge them safely. For those still choosing to use family fireworks or carry out an informal neighbourhood display please take note of the following information.

Under the City Of Hamilton Fireworks By-Law (By-Law 02-285), family fireworks can only be set off on your own property. In addition, use of family fireworks on the Canada Day holiday (July 1st) are restricted to that day as well as the two days immediately preceding or following Canada Day. Additionally, no person shall handle or set off family fireworks in an unsafe manner or in a manner that presents a danger from fire or risk of injury and damage to property.

In consideration of your neighbours, be advised that the City Of Hamilton Noise Bylaw 03-020. PROHIBITIONS BY TIME AND PLACE section 6 states: No person shall emit or cause or permit the emission of sound resulting from the following which sound is clearly audible at a Point of Reception located in Quiet Areas (at any time) or in Residential Areas (between 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), (1) the detonation of fireworks or explosive devices.

You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase and set off fireworks. Appoint one adult to be in charge of the handling and discharge of fireworks. Prior to their use, carefully read and follow the label instructions on fireworks packaging including those for required clearances and set-backs.

Set up a ‘safe zone’ and keep all spectators, children and pets out of this area. Ensure that the ‘safe zone’ is a clear, open space away from buildings, overhead wires and tree branches.

Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by. Use a flashlight to see what you are doing.

Keep fireworks in a closed box, away from the activation area, taking them out one at a time.

If not equipped with a base, firmly set the firework at least half its length in a bucket of sand or dirt, angled slightly away from spectators and check the wind direction and speed before lighting.

Light only one firework at a time at the tip of the fuse, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework, in your hand. Never lean over a firework at any time.

If a firework is a dud or misfires, approach it with caution. Never try to re-light a firework. Leave it for at least 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water